Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Redbone Coonhound is considered a very robust working breed, but official mandatory health tests for breeding are lacking in the registry. Buyers must therefore look closely themselves, as hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can occur in this breed as well. Without documented health screenings of the parents, the purchase remains a bit of a gamble regarding the dog's health.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
53–70 cm
Weight
20–36 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Redbone Coonhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Redbone Coonhound is a good-natured but extremely persistent scent hound—bred to track raccoons for miles and bay loudly at trees. At home, they are relaxed clowns; in the woods, they are thoroughbred hunters who simply cannot switch off their noses.
The real vibes check
A Redbone Coonhound has two completely separate operating systems: on the sofa, they are a cuddly, long-legged shadow, but outside, they mutate into a deaf tracker. You aren't buying a dog that gazes at you adoringly on walks, but a true specialist who reads the world through their nose—and loudly announces their discoveries to you.
The Redbone Coonhound is an impressive sight with its lean, muscular build and shiny, deep red coat. He radiates a majestic calm and serenity that is reflected in his expressive face. The broad, drooping ears give it a soft, almost melodious expression, while its dark brown or hazel eyes have a calm but penetrating look. This dog belongs to FCI Group 6, the scent hounds and bloodhounds. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Redbone Coonhound. What is special about this breed is the uniform red color, which ranges from a deep, rich mahogany to a slightly lighter red.
The Redbone Coonhound is an American breed whose origins date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was originally bred to hunt raccoons (coonhounds are a group of dog breeds specifically designed for tracking and hunting raccoons) and other wildlife, but his skills also make him an excellent sniffer dog. The breed was bred by Peter Redbone of Tennessee, from whom it takes its name. The original breeding lines probably included Irish Foxhounds and Bloodhounds, resulting in an effective and durable hunting dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 2009, which is comparatively late. Nevertheless, the Redbone Coonhound has a long and proud history in the United States as a reliable and effective hunting and family dog.
The Redbone Coonhound was bred to hunt raccoons and other game in rough terrain.
USA
1800
The Redbone Coonhound is a versatile dog with a friendly and even-tempered nature. He is both an effective hunting dog and a loving family dog who enjoys being around his people and thrives in their company. Based on its nature, the Redbone Coonhound's primary use was and still is hunting. His keen sense of smell, endurance and willingness to work in difficult terrain make him an outstanding hunting partner. Even though he is often kept as a family dog today, one should never forget that he was originally bred for work. Despite its hunting background, the Redbone Coonhound is not a hyperactive dog. He is quite energetic and loves being in nature and following his nose, but at home he is often surprisingly calm and balanced. He enjoys being with his family and is known for his loyalty and affection for his people. The Redbone Coonhound is a very people-oriented dog. He loves being in the company of people and is known for integrating well into family life. He gets along well with children and is often patient and gentle with them. This dog loves playing and interacting with his family and is often happy and content when given the opportunity to be active and play. When it comes to their independence, the Redbone Coonhound can be a little stubborn, which is likely due to their hunting background. He is able to work and make decisions independently, which means he sometimes has a mind of his own even at home. Being alone can be a challenge for the Redbone Coonhound as they are very focused on their people. It's important to teach him from puppyhood that it's okay to be alone. You should proceed carefully and patiently and associate positive experiences with being alone. The Redbone Coonhound definitely exhibits hunting behavior. This is due to its breeding history and use as a hunting dog. This means that he tends to follow interesting smells and hunt when the opportunity arises. As a hunting dog, the Redbone Coonhound is naturally alert and attentive. He is likely to alert to changes in his environment and can be a good watchdog. However, it is important to note that he is generally not aggressive and is more likely to draw attention to himself by barking than by biting. Overall, the Redbone Coonhound is a wonderful dog for the right person or family. He needs a home where he is challenged both physically and mentally and where his needs as an active and people-oriented dog are met. He will thrive best in a family that includes him in their daily life and is willing to invest the time and effort necessary to meet his needs. With proper training and care, the Redbone Coonhound will be a loyal, loving, and entertaining part of your family.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Redbone Coonhound gets its name from its deep red coat color and the fact that it was originally bred to hunt raccoons (coon in English) in the USA? And although he started out as a hunting dog, over time he has developed into an excellent family dog!
An American original, the streamlined Redbone Coonhound is even-tempered, gentle and friendly at home but a tiger on the hunt. Vigorous activities such as hunting and swimming between long periods of rest are the coonhound's rhythm of life.
The Redbone Coonhound is a very people-oriented dog that would love to spend all day in the company of its people. Therefore, he is not necessarily the best candidate for pure kennel keeping. He loves nature and outdoor activities, but is also happy when he can be at home with his family. Large apartments or houses with a garden would be ideal for him, but he can also live in a smaller apartment as long as he gets enough exercise. Children are usually not a problem for the Redbone Coonhound. He is known to be patient and gentle with them. But as with any dog, interaction between children and the dog should always take place under adult supervision. Other pets, including cats, are generally well accepted as long as the dog is used to them from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Raising and training the Redbone Coonhound can be an exciting and rewarding task. They are intelligent and trainable, but their hunting instincts and independence can sometimes be a challenge. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement are the keys to success here. Early socialization and training are also important to ensure your Redbone Coonhound becomes a well-behaved and happy companion. You should also keep in mind that the Redbone Coonhound is an active and energetic dog. He needs regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Long walks, jogging, hiking, or dog sports like agility or obedience can be good ways to keep him occupied. But be careful: an excessively high ball drive can become an obsession and should therefore be controlled.
Redbone Coonhounds are active and energetic dogs, and their diet should reflect this. They need a balanced diet tailored to their needs. High-quality food with a balanced ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fiber is the best choice here. Additionally, you should schedule regular vet visits to monitor your coonhound's weight and health. When it comes to care, Redbone Coonhounds are fairly easy to care for. They have a short, shiny coat with no undercoat that requires little grooming. Regular brushing "about once a week" is enough to keep the coat in good condition and remove dead hair. Please note that they may shed more during the spring and fall seasons. Their tolerance to the German climate is quite good, they can tolerate both heat and cold well as long as it is not extreme.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Robust
The Redbone Coonhound is considered a very robust working breed, but official mandatory health tests for breeding are lacking in the registry. Buyers must therefore look closely themselves, as hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can occur in this breed as well. Without documented health screenings of the parents, the purchase remains a bit of a gamble regarding the dog's health.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
You should regularly check and clean their long, hanging ears and ensure the dog is raised in a way that protects their joints so they stay active and healthy for a long time.
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals checked by a veterinarian to systematically reduce hereditary risks in the bloodline.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Als wir uns unsere Hündin ins Haus geholt haben, wussten wir zwar, dass Coonhounds Jagdhunde sind, aber das Ausmaß ihrer Gemütlichkeit im Haus hat uns dann doch überrascht. Sie hat sich vom ersten Tag an den besten Platz auf dem Sofa gesichert und ist drinnen ein absoluter Traum – ruhig, verschmust und extrem entspannt. Man nennt sie in Foren nicht umsonst oft liebevoll 'Couchhounds'. Sie liebt es einfach, ganz nah bei ihren Menschen zu sein.
Sobald wir aber die Haustür nach draußen öffnen, legt sich ein Schalter um. Da merkt man sofort die Jagdhund-Gene. Sie ist unglaublich aktiv, läuft für ihr Leben gern und scannt die Umgebung ununterbrochen mit ihrer Nase ab. Man muss sich darauf einstellen, dass diese Hunde draußen enorme Ausdauer haben und geistige Beschäftigung brauchen.
Ein Punkt, den man nicht unterschätzen darf, ist ihre Stimme. Wenn sie im Garten etwas Spannendes sieht, schlägt sie mit einem tiefen, rassetypischen Heulen (dem sogenannten 'Baying') an. Das ist wunderschön, aber in einer engen Wohnsiedlung sollte man das definitiv auf dem Schirm haben, da es die Nachbarn stören könnte.
Unser Rüde ist ein absolut loyaler und gutmütiger Kerl, der sich hervorragend mit unseren Kindern versteht. Allerdings mussten wir beim Thema Ausbruchsicherheit schnell dazulernen. Wir dachten, unser normaler, etwa 1,20 Meter hoher Gartenzaun reicht völlig aus – bis er das erste Mal eine heiße Fährte in der Nase hatte und einfach aus dem Stand darüber gesprungen ist.
Wenn ein Redbone erst einmal im Jagdmodus ist und einer Fährte folgt, schaltet er komplett auf stur. Es ist dann unglaublich schwer, ihn wieder einzufangen, weil er kilometerweit rennt und alles um sich herum vergisst. Wir lassen ihn in ungesichertem Gelände deshalb gar nicht mehr von der Leine.
Auch die Verträglichkeit mit anderen Kleintieren ist so eine Sache. Während er mit anderen Hunden super klarkommt, weckt jede Katze oder jedes Kaninchen sofort seinen extremen Beutetrieb. Wer also schon Katzen im Haushalt hat, sollte sich die Anschaffung eines Redbones wirklich gut überlegen.
Als wir unseren Redbone-Welpen bekommen haben, waren wir sofort schockverliebt in seine wunderschönen, samtweichen Schlappohren. Aber wir haben auch schnell gemerkt, dass diese Rasse eine Menge Arbeit bedeutet. Da er aus einer Arbeitslinie stammt, war er von Anfang an extrem stimmgewaltig. Er bellt und heult leidenschaftlich gern, um uns alles mitzuteilen.
Um ihm von klein auf Ruhe beizubringen, haben wir sehr früh mit dem Boxentraining angefangen. Wir füttern ihn darin und haben die Box mit gemütlichen Decken zu seinem absoluten Rückzugsort gemacht. Das hilft ihm enorm, im Haus herunterzufahren und nicht ständig unter Strom zu stehen.
Man sollte sich vor dem Kauf im Klaren darüber sein, dass diese Hunde für die eigenständige Arbeit gezüchtet wurden. Sie hinterfragen Kommandos gerne mal und brauchen eine sehr konsequente, aber liebevolle Führung. Als Ersthund ist ein Redbone definitiv eine große Herausforderung.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Redbone Coonhound.
The Redbone Coonhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Redbone Coonhound is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Redbone Coonhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Redbone Coonhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Find verified Redbone Coonhound breeders in your region
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
We lay everything out clearly: who the breeder is, how they work, health checks, and genetic test results. So you can decide with full confidence.
Every breeder on HonestDog meets strict standards, including health checks and genetic testing for both parents. So you never have to worry about puppy mills or bad actors.
We verify breeders and buyers alike, so every conversation happens on solid ground. It's a new standard of trust in dog breeding.
We've already vetted the breeders and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your — your new companion — with confidence.
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.